CIVIC leaders have issued a blunt message to Internet adoption couple Alan and Judith Kilshaw ­ get out of Buckley and don't come back!

Comments made by the couple during the Channel 4 documentary Meet the Kilshaws have outraged many people living in the town.

Two former mayors said they hoped the controversial couple would soon be packing their bags and leaving the area once and for all.

Mr Kilshaw and his wife Judith were shown on camera walking through the town centre in the documentary.

A couple of passers-by engaged in a heated exchange with Mrs Kilshaw, and later in the programme Mr Kilshaw admitted he hated the town.

Former mayor Dennis Hutchinson described his comment as 'pathetic', adding: 'They may have put Buckley on the map, but it has been for all the wrong reasons.

'If they set up a fund to raise cash for their airfares to Turkey or any part of the globe, I have no doubt people would donate generously.

'And my wish is that it would be a one way ticket for both of them.'

Equally scathing after listening to Mr Kilshaw's verbal venom was another former mayor, John Thornton, who said he would be glad when the saga was laid to rest and the couple had moved away.

'I understand Mr Kilshaw once worked in Buckley as a solicitor and was no doubt only too pleased to earn his money from local people,' he said.

'I think it's fair to say many people were initially concerned for Mr Kilshaw and his wife, but the situation has now changed.

'It's sad he has now turned on the people who supported him when he was in business here. Buckley folk have always been very welcoming. This sort of disrespect from Mr Kilshaw is unwarranted.'

A third former mayor, Ken Iball, joined in the chorus of disapproval over Mr Kilshaw's biting criticism of the town.

'I can't understand where these people are coming from,' he said.

'Buckley is a very welcoming town and extremely generous. When I was mayor the community raised cash for two major international appeals, including Kosovo.

'The Kilshaws are obviously not the type who would fit naturally into a friendly community.'

Cllr Iball said the couple had not tarnished Buckley's image, adding: 'I treat Mr Kilshaw's remarks about hating Buckley with the contempt they deserve. Buckley was thriving long before they came to live here and it will be flourishing long after they've gone.'

And another former civic leader, Cllr Ron Hampson, added: 'The conduct of the pair during the TV programme totally vindicated the decision of Flintshire Social Services to step in and take the twins.'